The rivalry at the top of the UFC lightweight division just got a lot more personal. Rising contender Arman Tsarukyan has taken direct aim at Islam Makhachev, accusing the reigning champion of riding the coattails of Khabib Nurmagomedov to UFC stardom.

In a recent interview, Tsarukyan didn’t hold back in critiquing how Makhachev rose to the top of the 155-pound division. The Armenian-Russian lightweight claimed that without Khabib’s influence, Islam would never have received the opportunities he did—including the controversial title shot that led to his championship reign.

“If he did not have Khabib, he would not be what he is now,” Tsarukyan said. “Khabib became Khabib on his own. They were not giving him the title shot. In Islam’s case, Khabib’s name was behind him. He beat Bobby Green and got a title shot.”

A Rivalry Brewing Beneath the Surface

For years, Islam Makhachev has been seen as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, walking a similar path of dominance inside the Octagon. But Arman Tsarukyan, who took Makhachev to the limit in their 2019 clash, insists that the similarities are only surface deep.

“Khabib did it the hard way,” Tsarukyan added. “He fought tough guys. Islam? He beat Bobby Green on short notice and got a title shot. That says everything.”

With both men now sitting near the top of the lightweight rankings, the tension between them has reached a boiling point. Tsarukyan vs Makhachev 2 could be one of the most anticipated lightweight bouts in recent memory—and now it has real animosity fueling it.

Khabib’s Shadow Looms Large Over Makhachev

There’s no denying that Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legacy continues to influence the UFC lightweight landscape. After retiring with a perfect 29-0 record, Khabib passed the torch to Islam Makhachev, who has since become champion and successfully defended the belt against Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski.

But Tsarukyan argues that Islam’s path to the title wasn’t earned the way Khabib’s was.

“Khabib had to beat RDA, Barboza, Iaquinta, all top guys,” he said. “Islam? He got Bobby Green on short notice. That fight was a joke for a title shot.”

The comments may ruffle feathers in Dagestan, but they reflect a growing sentiment among some fighters and fans who believe Makhachev’s rise was fast-tracked due to his association with the undefeated legend.

Arman Tsarukyan’s Meteoric Rise

While Makhachev sits on the throne, Arman Tsarukyan (22-3) has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in the division. Since his close decision loss to Makhachev in 2019, Tsarukyan has gone on to defeat Damir Ismagulov, Joaquin Silva, and most recently, Charles Oliveira in a thrilling performance that likely earned him a title shot.

Unlike Makhachev, Tsarukyan believes he has earned everything the hard way.

“Nobody gave me anything,” Tsarukyan stated. “I wasn’t handed a title shot after beating a short-notice opponent. I beat the real guys. Now I’m next.”

With the UFC lightweight title picture heating up, Tsarukyan’s candid remarks have added an extra layer of intrigue to a potential rematch.

Was Islam Makhachev’s Title Shot Deserved?

The question at the heart of Tsarukyan’s critique is whether Islam Makhachev truly earned his title opportunity. When he was given a shot at Charles Oliveira in 2022, many questioned the strength of his previous opponents:

• Bobby Green (short notice)

• Dan Hooker

• Thiago Moisés

• Drew Dober

While Makhachev won those fights in dominant fashion, critics like Tsarukyan argue that none of those names were top-5 contenders at the time.

In contrast, fighters like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler had to go through wars before earning their own title chances.

“Islam is good, but don’t pretend he did it like Khabib,” Tsarukyan said. “Khabib carved his own path. Islam had the path cleared for him.”

Makhachev Remains Silent… for Now

So far, Islam Makhachev has not responded publicly to Tsarukyan’s comments. Known for his stoic demeanor and focus on preparation, it remains to be seen whether he will address the criticism or let his Octagon performances do the talking.

However, with UFC President Dana White hinting that Tsarukyan could be next in line for a title shot, it’s only a matter of time before this rivalry takes center stage.

UFC Fans React to Tsarukyan’s Call-Out

The MMA community has been divided in its response to Tsarukyan’s comments:

• Some fans agree, citing Makhachev’s relatively light resume before the title shot.

• Others defend Islam’s dominance, pointing out that he’s destroyed every opponent in his path regardless of name value.

Here are a few fan reactions online:

“Tsarukyan is spitting facts. Khabib fought killers before his title shot. Islam had Bobby Green.”

“Islam would have been champ with or without Khabib. Look at his skillset—he’s elite.”

“This rematch needs to happen. Tsarukyan has a chip on his shoulder, and Islam needs to prove he’s more than just Khabib’s heir.”

Will We See Tsarukyan vs Makhachev 2?

The UFC appears to be inching closer to booking Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev 2 for the lightweight title—possibly before the end of 2025. If it happens, it will be:

• A rematch of their closely contested 2019 bout.

• A personal battle rooted in contrasting journeys.

• A chance for Tsarukyan to validate his path—and for Makhachev to silence the doubters.

With both fighters in their primes, the timing couldn’t be better.

What’s Next for the UFC Lightweight Division?

The 155-pound division is in flux. Here’s how the landscape looks:

• Islam Makhachev – Current lightweight champion, awaiting his next challenger.

• Arman Tsarukyan – Likely #1 contender after defeating Charles Oliveira.

• Justin Gaethje – Coming off a KO loss to Max Holloway.

• Dustin Poirier – Future uncertain after title loss at UFC 302.

• Mateusz Gamrot, Benoit Saint-Denis, Renato Moicano – All climbing the rankings.

If Tsarukyan does get the next shot, expect fireworks—and possibly a five-round grudge match for the ages.

Final Thoughts: Arman Tsarukyan Isn’t Holding Back

In a sport where respect is often feigned and trash talk is scripted, Arman Tsarukyan’s brutal honesty stands out. Whether fans agree with him or not, his willingness to challenge the narrative around Islam Makhachev has stirred up the division.

Now, it’s up to the UFC to book the rematch and let the fighters settle it inside the cage. One thing is certain—if Tsarukyan vs Makhachev 2 happens, it will be personal.